How to Overcome Discouragement and Rebuild Your Faith
Introduction
Experiencing discouragement is a normal part of the believer's life; biblical figures like Paul, David, Elijah, Jonah, Joshua, and Job all struggled with it.
Courage is the state of mind that enables one to face danger with confidence, while discouragement deprives a person of hope, spirit, and confidence.
Discouragement is the devil's most important tool; it acts as a "handle" that fits every other vice, prying a person's mind open to give up on God.
Believers must be careful not to discourage others, especially new believers or young ones, but should instead strive to be encouragers.
If left unchecked, discouragement is dangerous and can even be deadly, often preceding despair or suicide.
There are five principal causes of discouragement (the "5 Fs") and biblical cures for each.
1. Failure
The Cause: Failing a test, a job interview, or a battle with temptation can make people feel like failures, leading them to stop trying altogether. When Joshua and the Israelites were defeated by the small town of Ai, their hearts "melted and became like water," and Joshua fell on his face in discouragement. When people feel they have failed too many times, they become weakened and give up, much like a draft horse that refuses to pull even a lightened load after struggling with a heavy one.
The Cure: God gave Joshua a practical answer: get up off your face and address the sin in the camp. If sin is the cause of defeat, it must be repented of and dealt with to experience victory again. Furthermore, believers must remember God's promises, strengthen their "feeble knees," and try again God's way, just as Peter caught a net full of fish after a night of failure when he listened to Jesus' instruction.
2. Fatigue
The Cause: Discouragement often comes from the neck down, meaning it is purely physical. The Israelites in Egypt were discouraged by rigorous physical bondage, and Nehemiah's builders became fatigued from overwork. Even the great prophet Elijah, after a major spiritual victory, became physically exhausted and hungry, leading him to panic, run into the wilderness, and pray to die.
The Cure: When fatigued, believers must pray and take practical steps. Nehemiah spread the work around so his people wouldn't be overwhelmed. It is vital to take time to rest, just as Jesus instructed His disciples to go to a deserted place to rest and eat. God's cure for Elijah was sending an angel to give him bread and water, allowing him to sleep and eat until his physical strength was restored. Taking care of one's physical needs—as Paul encouraged the terrified sailors in a storm to eat—is a key defense against discouragement.
3. Frustration
The Cause: Dashed hopes, failed expectations, and living in regret cause severe frustration. Jonah became deeply discouraged and wanted to die when his prophecy of Nineveh's destruction did not come true, feeling his efforts were wasted. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were sad and frustrated because their hope that Jesus would deliver Israel had been shattered by the crucifixion.
The Cure: The opening of the scriptures dispels discouragement. Believers must lean on the "exceedingly great and precious promises" of God. Instead of living in the regrets of past mistakes, Christians should remember they are "born again" daily, forgive themselves as God forgives them, and move forward.
4. Family and Friends (Relationships)
The Cause: "Friendly fire" from loved ones often causes the deepest pain. David was hunted by his father-in-law Saul and betrayed by his son Absalom; Joseph was sold by his brothers; and Job was accused by his own friends. A broken relationship, betrayal, or loneliness can easily plunge a person into despair.
The Cure: Have faith in God's purpose. When David lost his family and possessions at Ziklag and his own men spoke of stoning him, he "strengthened himself in the Lord his God". Instead of giving up, David took action to recover his family, ultimately becoming king shortly after. Believers must not lose heart in affliction, looking beyond temporary, visible troubles to the eternal things that are unseen.
5. Fear
The Cause: Fear of criticism, failing expectations, or the future is behind a vast amount of discouragement. Job noted that the thing he greatly feared came upon him, and the disciples hid behind shut doors out of fear of the Jews. Many are paralyzed by the fear of not measuring up or being lost, turning their spiritual walk into a source of dread rather than a joyous celebration.
The Cure: Remember that God is with you. You may walk through the "valley of the shadow of death," but the key is to keep moving through it rather than pitching your tent there. When King Hezekiah faced the massive, terrifying Assyrian army, he encouraged his people by reminding them that there were more angels with them than enemies against them. God fought the battle for them while they slept. Trust that God is bigger than your fears and your sins, and that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Conclusion
We must look to Jesus, our Commander, who set His face toward Jerusalem, endured the cross, and did not get discouraged.
Even when wandering in the dark, believers must draw near to the cross to find the face of Jesus, draw on His strength, and find the courage to keep pressing on